Surgical Camera Positioning With Laser-Guided Line-of-Sight Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical tracking systems in computer-assisted surgery procedures face challenges in maintaining an unobstructed line of sight between the camera and trackers, often requiring manual adjustments during surgery, which can be imprecise and costly.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a camera with a laser emitter to determine the optimal positioning and orientation within a surgical field by using a target volume defined by precise location information, ensuring unobstructed line of sight and minimizing the need for camera movement during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is manually positioned by user guessing before the procedure, then the setup process is simple, but the positioning accuracy is poor and the camera may become blocked during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the optimal camera position and target volume before the surgical procedure begins. The processor calculates the target volume based on the surgical site location and tracker positions, allowing the camera to be positioned accurately in advance without requiring manual guessing or complex adjustments during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual representation of the surgical field including tracker positions and calculates the optimal camera position in this virtual model. This virtual copy allows precise determination of the target volume and camera positioning without requiring physical trial-and-error positioning during the actual procedure.
2Reliability
If the camera is repositioned during surgery to maintain line of sight, then tracking reliability is maintained, but surgical workflow is interrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the target volume and optimal camera position before the surgical procedure begins. By establishing the camera position in advance within the calculated target volume, the system ensures continuous unobstructed line of sight to trackers throughout the procedure, eliminating the need for interruptions to reposition the camera during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors whether the camera remains within the target volume during surgery. If the camera position deviates from the optimal position or the line of sight becomes blocked, the system provides feedback to alert the user, allowing for minimal adjustments rather than complete repositioning interruptions.
3Measurement precision
If vague general terms are used to describe optimal camera position, then the system is easy to implement, but the user cannot achieve precise positioning without precise measuring tools
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual model of the surgical field with precise tracker positions and calculates the optimal camera position within this virtual representation. This virtual copy enables precise positioning calculations without requiring complex physical measuring tools in the operating room, as all precise measurements are performed in the virtual model beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that translates the virtual model data into precise real-world positioning instructions. The system calculates the target volume and optimal camera position based on tracker locations, providing precise positioning guidance without requiring the user to perform complex measurements or calculations manually.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of object tracking in surgical procedures, increases operating efficiency, and improves surgeon satisfaction by ensuring clear line of sight and precise camera positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The camera may include a laser emitter.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method may be used to position or orient a camera within a surgical field. A method may include generating a graphical user interface including a first set of instructions to reposition the camera, and determining whether the camera is within a target volume location. The method may include automatically outputting an indication when the camera is within the target volume location. The method may include outputting a second set of instructions for display on the graphical user interface to align a laser, coupled to or integrated into the camera, to the tracker by changing an angle of the camera.